Mourinho hails Chelsea progress after United draw

The Premier League leaders forged ahead via a 53rd-minute Didier Drogba header on Sunday but had Branislav Ivanovic sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time - an incident that led directly to Robin van Persie's dramatic equaliser.

Mourinho reasoned that the disappointment within the Chelsea dressing room demonstrated how accomplished his team has become, drawing a contrast with last August's turgid 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

"My feeling is that we had a good first half and a fantastic second half," he said.

"To come here and not to be happy with the point, because we are not, shows clearly how good we were and how well we are playing at this moment.

"I am so happy with my players. We got the same result as last season here but if I compare what we did last season and what we did this season it shows clearly the evolution of this team.

"We are not happy with a point. This is only possible when you play so well and feel that you are so good not to be happy with a point at Old Trafford.

"I am really happy with the players individually and the team as a team."

Mourinho was clearly displeased with the a number of decisions from referee Phil Dowd and his assistants during a game when six of his players were cautioned before Ivanovic's red card, but he refused to discuss the official's performance directly - hinting that he would not risk disciplinary action from the Premier League.

"You know that I cannot speak," he said. "Some can't, some don't - I am one of the ones that can't because you know what happens to me when I speak.

"I speak about the game; I think it was a good game with a good Man United but a very good Chelsea."

The result edges Chelsea four points ahead of Southampton at the Premier League summit and the league's only remaining unbeaten team are 10 points better off than United after nine matches.

Nevertheless, Mourinho believes there is a bright future ahead at Old Trafford under his former mentor Louis van Gaal.

"They have one of the best managers in the world," he said. "When you have one of the best it is not easy to get one better.

"He is one of that group. He is a great coach, a great manager. They are in great hands.